Vaginismus Symptoms

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

Vaginismus is the contraction or tightening of the pelvic floor muscles that
occurs involuntarily when
sexual intercourse is attempted. It can result in
pain, burning, and aching. The symptoms also can occur during insertion of
tampons or a speculum for a medical exam.

In particular, the symptoms of vaginismus:

Can occur all the time or only in certain situations

Can develop after a period of normal sexual function, or may occur
throughout a woman's life

Can range from mild to severe can produce pain that may be described as
searing, burning, sharp, aching, or tearing

Can interfere with sexual functioning even to the point at which
penetration is impossible

Can cause a woman to feel that her vaginal opening is "too small," when this is not the case

Result from muscle spasm and produce real pain that is not imagined or
"in your head"

Can arise for no apparent cause, or may result from a previous sexual
trauma, anxiety, trauma during childbirth, infections, or a history of
anxiety or discomfort during sex

Can lead to significant anxiety

Women who experience vaginismus often have a profound sense of embarrassment
and may not mention the condition to their doctor. However, the condition can be
treated through a variety of methods, including education, learning exercises to
control the pelvic floor muscles, and vaginal dilation exercises. If a woman
wishes, her partner can be involved in the treatment program as well. Success
rates are high with proper treatment.